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There’s much to do in Cacadu
The Cacadu region
A major Cacadu region attraction: Addo's elephants.
© South African Tourism
Did you know?
The Addo Elephant National Park sustains one of the densest African elephant populations on earth.
The Cacadu region of the Eastern Cape is essentially a district municipality. But as the largest district in the province, it lays claim to great natural, cultural and historical diversity that will captivate and inspire you.
Cacadu region tourism nodes comprise six areas: the Karoo, Baviaanskloof, Addo, Tsitsikamma, Jeffreys Bay, the Sunshine Coast and Grahamstown.
The Karoo is a strangely wonderful place with its vast, desert plains and odd-looking mountains. Be sure to check out the Valley of Desolation - an intriguing geological formation of weathered rock, formed millions of years ago.
Baviaanskloof, or ‘valley of baboons', is another major Cacadu region attraction. It comprises a 192 000 hectare conservation area teeming with game and birdlife and offers a number of adventure and nature-based activities. This beautiful area is also a World Heritage Site.
Addo and Tsitsikamma feature two prominent South African parks, namely the famous Addo Elephant National Park - home to more than 450 African elephants - and the Tsitsikamma National Park, one of the country's adventure tourism hotspots, featuring the world's highest commercial bungee jump.
If sun and sea are on your agenda, look no further than Cacadu's Sunshine Coast and Jeffreys Bay. The Sunshine Coast is a delightful coastal tourism route featuring charming seaside resorts and stunning beaches, while Jeffreys Bay is South Africa's surf capital and one of the best surfing spots in the world.
The quaint town of Grahamstown forms the epicentre of what is called Frontier Country - an area where the Eastern Cape's 100-year frontier wars played out. Several national heritage sites in and around the area speak to its historical, and cultural, significance.
If you're looking to up your cultural quota further, be sure to add a visit to the surreal Owl House at Nieu Bethesda and an authentic African township tour to your Eastern Cape tourism wishlist, you won't be disappointed.
Travel tips & Planning info
Who to contact
The Eastern Cape Tourism Board
Tel: +27 (0) 43 701 9600
E-mail: info@ectourism.co.za
Cacadu District Municipality
Tel: +27 (0) 41 508 7111
How to get here
Fly direct from any of South Africa’s major cities to Port Elizabeth International Airport.
If you’re driving; from Johannesburg take the N1 south and then the N9 after Colesberg. Pick up the N10 at Middleburg to Port Elizabeth. If travelling from Cape Town and Durban, take the N2 east and west respectively to Port Elizabeth.
Tours to do
The Tsitsikamma Adventure Route, Langkloof Fruit Route, Baviaans Route, Blue Crane Route, Mohair Route, Merino Route and Owl Route.
Get around
As the region is large and far flung, the best way to get around is by car.
Length of stay
Exploring the region could take many days. However, shorter day trips can also be planned.
What's happening
The Grahamstown National Arts Festival takes place each July and is an absolute must-see. Also check out the Billabong Pro international surfing event at Jeffreys Bay in July. Don’t miss the Rose Festival, taking place at Addo in October, and the Kirkwood Wildlife Festival, also at Addo, in June.